# STARSS: News Reader — Your News: 24th Century Style

> Futuristic RSS news reader with classic design and animations. (iPhone/iPad app by Christopher Kriens.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starss-news-reader/id367300362 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Christopher Kriens](https://appshunter.io/developer/367300365)
- Category: Entertainment, News
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.80/5 from 272 App Store ratings · 154 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 17+
- Requires: iOS 11.0 · 13 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2010-05-17
- Data updated: 2026-09-02
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starss-news-reader/id367300362/reviews.md

## What is STARSS?

STARSS is a news reader featuring a futuristic interface experience.  STARSS provides convenient access to all your favorite news and blog sites via RSS feeds with classic design, animation, and sounds.

STARSS is a Universal App, which runs on iPad, iPad Pro, iPhone, and features full support for Retina Displays.

## Key features

- Futuristic interface
- RSS feed aggregation
- Classic design elements
- Animations and sounds
- Universal App support
- Retina Display support

## What do users think of STARSS?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 🚀 Smooth and responsive interface
- 🎨 Authentic LCARS design
- 🔊 Immersive sound effects
- 📰 Curated news content
- 🤖 Feels like using a real PADD

**Cons**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes and bugs
- 🔇 Lack of volume control for sound effects
- 📱 Limited functionality beyond news reading
- 🔍 Difficulty adding custom RSS feeds
- 🔄 Syncing issues between devices

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Crashes when opening certain articles
- RSS feed list disappearing after updates
- Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions
- Slow or failed feed refreshes

**Most requested features**

- Expanded LCARS functionality (calendar, calculator, etc.)
- Customizable news categories and sources
- Ability to save/share articles
- Dark mode option
- Support for more platforms (macOS, Android)

## Recent user reviews (10 of 154)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starss-news-reader/id367300362/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Its So Cool.

*2026-06-13, version 3.3.6*

TNG Fan must have.

### 2/5 — No sound

*2026-03-14, version 3.3.6*

Owning the app for many years the app was fun but recently I have noticed the app has no sound

### 5/5 — Trek-tastic app-sperience (even in 2026)

*2026-02-03, version 3.3.6*

Looks like the last update was 6 years ago!? Unbelievable in “app years” because this app still feels like my own piece of the 24th century tech (PADD) in my hands. Amazing on both iPhone and iPad! I do wish I could do a whole lot more with it, but when I just need a quick escape to the future, STARRS is there! LCARS, beeps, bridge ambiance, and even red alerts! …now, we just need to be able to take the interface and apply it to …everything!

### 4/5 — Almost perfect

*2025-11-24, version 3.3.6*

Love this. I wish that there was an optional to toggle off the view finder (as cool as it is) and expand the summary. I’d love to read whole article in that format instead of jumping to the website.

### 5/5 — The best LCARS UI in iOS

*2025-09-22, version 3.3.6*

Really amazing app for a Trekkie！

### 5/5 — Masterful and complete

*2025-07-22, version 3.3.6*

STARSS isn’t meant to be your everyday newsreader. It’s meant to allow Trek fans to experience what it means to actually use LCARS. It’s a lot of fun to play with and is in some ways a better experience than we get at amusement parks that have all the rights and none of the joy.

The developer is a true professional because be took the time to actually bring to life something we only ever saw on screen and did this 17 years ago.

Unlike other apps that exist to recreate childhood experiences for example and want $5 for something half baked, Christopher took the time to full flesh out STARSS and then he gave it away for free, at a time when he could have easily charged for it.

This guy is a class act, a scholar and a true pro. 

Thank you so much for your contribution.

### 5/5 — It is 2025 and this app still feels like the future

*2025-04-30, version 3.3.6*

I recently downloaded this because I got bit by the Star Trek bug and wanted to have some Star Trek stuff on my iPad. I downloaded it, liking how the pictures showed the interface, and it still works perfectly. I hope the developer keeps up with the app, even if it’s later in years, because I found my new favorite app to read news

### 5/5 — RSS reader in trek form

*2025-01-23, version 3.3.6*

I wish there were more Star Trek theme apps for iPad and iPhones but there are very few. Lcars would make money hand over fist

### 4/5 — Love it, but could use a font fix for old eyes

*2024-12-30, version 3.3.6*

I really love this app! I miss rss feed readers and this one is really well done. I would request, though, that the font on the reader pages be changeable, or made to be less tight. It takes a bit more effort to read for people with poor vision.

### 5/5 — Incredibly satisfying!

*2024-10-27, version 3.3.6*

It nails the feel while maintaining usability and purpose. I’d love to see more apps like this.

## Frequently asked questions about STARSS

### What does STARSS: News Reader do?

STARSS is a news reader application that provides a futuristic interface for accessing your favorite news and blog sites. It utilizes RSS feeds to aggregate content, offering a unique blend of classic design, animations, and sounds for an engaging reading experience.

### What are the key features of this news reader?

Key features include a futuristic interface, convenient access to news and blogs via RSS feeds, classic design elements, animations, and sound effects. It also offers Universal App support for iPad and iPhone, along with full Retina Display support.

### Is STARSS: News Reader free to use?

Yes, the application is available for free. There are no in-app purchases or advertisements mentioned, suggesting a completely free user experience.

### What devices is STARSS: News Reader compatible with?

STARSS is a Universal App, meaning it is designed to run on a variety of Apple devices. This includes iPad, iPad Pro, and iPhone. It also features full support for Retina Displays on these devices.

### Who would benefit from using STARSS: News Reader?

This app is ideal for users who enjoy a visually distinct and engaging way to consume news and blog content. It's particularly suited for those who prefer to curate their news through RSS feeds and appreciate a blend of modern aesthetics with classic design elements.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 3.3.6 — 2020-01-24

- Replace broken default feed with TrekNews
- Fix clock 12hr/24hr display issue

### 3.3.5 — 2018-12-22

- Add support for new iPad Pro

### 3.3.4 — 2018-09-26

- Fix for a large font issue during Red Alert on new phone devices

### 3.3.3 — 2017-10-06

This minor update adds:
- iPhone X Support
- Increased Feed Compatibility

### 3.3.2 — 2017-08-09

- Manually adjust the font size of text content
- News auto-refreshes when returning to the app
- Minor improvements

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-02.*